The 3 Stages of Labor

Part: 1 | 2

This is a continuation of the article titled Stages of Labor...

What techniques are used to induce labor?

The type of technique used depends on the condition of your cervix at the time. If your cervix hasn’t yet started to soften, efface (thin out), or dilate (open up), it’s “unripe” and not yet ready for labor.

In these circumstances, hormones or mechanical methods may be used to ripen your cervix prior to induction. In some cases these methods also help to kick start labor.

stages of labor

What are the risks associated with induction?

Although induction is considered generally safe, there are some risks associated with it. The risks vary depending on your particular circumstances and the method used to induce your stages of labor. The use of pitocin, prostaglandins or nipple stimulation can over stimulate the uterus and cause contractions to come too frequently. This can cause stress to your unborn baby.

In what circumstances should induction be avoided?

If it is unsafe for you to deliver your baby vaginally then labor should not be induced. In these cases, you will need a cesarean section.

Stages of Labor & Back Labor

What is back labor?

Many women feel intense pain in the lower back area during contractions, this is commonly referred to as back labor.

Women sometimes also suffer with this in between contractions.
The pain is widely believed to be due to the increasing pressure of your baby’s head on your lower back.

One theory, yet to be proven, is that the pain is somehow transferred from your uterus to your lower back - essentially making it one of the stages of labor.

This theory is supported by the fact that a number of women suffer from low back pain during their menstrual period.

One study showed that those women who suffer with back pain during their period were also more likely to suffer with back labor.

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